I’ve been reflecting a lot about Mary. A messenger from God named Gabriel came to her. “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28, ESV). He went on to tell her that she would miraculously give birth to the Messiah. Here is her response: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; … Continue reading I am only the workshop in which God operates
Knowing God, not knowing everything
What does Mary teach us about having faith today, especially when the future is uncertain. In short, a lot. Just imagine her situation. She was a young Jewish woman. She may have been as young as 14, 15 or 16 when she gave birth to Jesus. She would have grown up learning the Scriptures, reciting … Continue reading Knowing God, not knowing everything
It’s the most wonderful (or stressful?) time of the year
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s a popular song by Andy Williams. I’ve already heard it on the radio, on TV, and in the mall about a zillion times. But let’s be honest. For a lot of people it is anything but. December brings about as much stress as it does candy … Continue reading It’s the most wonderful (or stressful?) time of the year
The generosity of Saint Nicholas
When most people think about Christmas they also think about Santa Claus, the jolly red-suited man who magically brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. But where did he come from? Has he always been associated with Christmas? And is it true that he is based on a man named Saint Nicholas? In regards to … Continue reading The generosity of Saint Nicholas
It’s (b)right around the corner
In his autobiography, Arthur Miller reflects on his relationship with Marilyn Monroe. He talks about their loss of faith and descent into despair. “How I wish I still had my religion and she hers.”* As followers of Christ, we have many reasons to hope. But if we don’t consciously and consistently reflect on those reasons, … Continue reading It’s (b)right around the corner
The way to avoid hitting a wall hard
In 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV) Paul wrote: “do not grow weary in doing good.” Some of the people in that church were lazy. “Idleness” was a problem. But others were doing good things. They were serving, evangelizing, and being useful. Those were the people Paul was talking to. Note the word ‘weary.’ He affirmed them … Continue reading The way to avoid hitting a wall hard
This is how we know that we love the children of God
The apostle John wrote: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20). As we can see, loving other people in the church is clearly important. … Continue reading This is how we know that we love the children of God
A Christian one-liner that makes you think
Recently someone sent me an email with some “Christian one-liners” (Thanks Eileen!) Perhaps you’ve seen some of them. They usually highlight comical aspects of the faith or funny things that kids say. One of them in particular grabbed my attention. It was funny, but also provided a reason to pause and reflect on how we … Continue reading A Christian one-liner that makes you think
When your prayer life hits a dry spell
When it comes to prayer, I sometimes hit a dry spell. I’m a pastor. So perhaps that surprises you. In case it isn’t obvious, we’re human too! Very human. Most of the pastors I know love Jesus, want to serve him, care for his people, and struggle with many of the same things that you … Continue reading When your prayer life hits a dry spell
The rabbit holes of speculation
I’ve been thinking a lot about how Jesus said he was coming back. The reason it’s been on my mind is because I’ve been teaching through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, and that’s a topic that comes up a lot. The congregation to which Paul was writing was confused. So Paul needed to clarify a few … Continue reading The rabbit holes of speculation
